Sir, Realpolitik is a German word, and the British government should take a leaf out of Angela Merkel’s book when it considers how to pursue its important relationship with the emerging Chinese superpower. The Germans have developed a durable, trusting relationship with China by respecting, even rejoicing in, the fundamental differences between the Chinese tradition and their own. By contrast, Britain’s relationship with China has often been set back by the shared background of Hong Kong.

For the Chinese, Hong Kong remains a living reminder of the humiliation and the hated opium trade brought by Britain to China. For the British, Hong Kong’s huge success owes everything to the enlightened western values brought by generations of British governance. The perspectives of either side differ vastly. Nothing good can come from Britain’s mounting row with China over Hong Kong. The Chinese will never give way to what they regard as impertinent interference by the former colonial power in Hong Kong.

The sensible, constructive way forward for Britain is to get off its democratic high horse, respect and understand differences, and find common ground with China. Confrontation over Hong Kong will only succeed in placing British relations with a newly assertive China into a deep freeze to end all deep freezes. Can that help anyone, particularly the people of Hong Kong?